7. Juan Pablo Montoya, No. 42 Earnhardt Ganassi Racing Chevrolet — All jet dryer jokes aside, Montoya could create some fireworks. He made a late charge in the Duels and is not afraid to take a chance.

8. Austin Dillon, No. 33 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet — RC’s grandson showed Thursday that he has talent, and the RCR cars are fast. A good finish would be another positive sign for the future.

9. Jimmie Johnson, No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet — He won in it 2006 but since then, Five-Time has had no luck at Daytona. Since ’06, he’s finished 27th or worse in his last six Daytona 500s, including a Lap 2 crash last year.

10. Clint Bowyer, No. 15 Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota — Would love to cap last year’s marvelous season with a Daytona 500 victory. Put him in the sleeper category with Biffle.

11. Kurt Busch, No. 78 Furniture Row Racing Chevrolet — New team, new attitude, same old snake-bitten luck. Busch has wrecked two cars here already. Don’t be surprised if he trashes another one on Sunday.

12. Matt Kenseth, No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota — He’s won it in two of the past four years — both rain delayed — and is now regarded as one of the best restrictor-plate racers. He’s been sneaky fast all week. And it might rain. Just saying.

13. Tony Stewart, No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet — He’s won everything but … He’s 0-for-14 in the Daytona 500 and the ghost of Dale Earnhardt is haunting him. He’s driving a black car. This could be his day.

14. Mark Martin, No. 55 Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota — Speaking of future Hall of Famers who have never won the Daytona 500. He might be 54, but the old man can still bring it.

15. Brad Keselowski, No. 2 Penske Racing Ford — The new champ already is in NASCAR’s doghouse for barking a bit too loudly. Oh, wouldn’t he love to show them up by tweeting from victory lane on Sunday.

25. David Gilliland, No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford — Would you believe he finished third here in 2011, following that Trevor Bayne fellow across the finish line. Quick, rush to the computer and change your fantasy lineup.